2m | 4yo+ | Good to Soft | 5 runners

A small-field staying handicap where tactical positioning could prove decisive. Timeform’s pace forecast points towards a very weak gallop, which is highly significant around Goodwood over this trip. In steadily-run races here, prominent racers and those able to hold position before the downhill turn often gain a major tactical edge, while hold-up horses can become hostage to pace.

With only five runners, draw is less important than usual, though low numbers can still save ground around Goodwood’s turns. The race shape looks likely to favour those ridden handily, especially GIVE IT TO ME OJ.

This is a race where tactical pace suitability should probably be weighted more heavily than pure stamina. Several runners are proven stayers, but not all are naturally suited to a stop-start tactical affair.


—

Runner-by-runner assessment

1. GIVE IT TO ME OJ – 8.5/10 (p)

Progressive dual-purpose type who enjoyed an excellent 2025 campaign, winning five in a row across codes before contesting stronger hurdle company afterwards. His Cheltenham Festival run can be upgraded given the class of race, and the move up to 2m on the Flat looks a potentially important angle.

He appeals strongly on:

Pace setup suitability

Tactical profile

Progressive profile

Trainer placement


Tom Queally is an excellent judge in small tactical fields and the horse should sit prominently in a race lacking obvious pace. Good to soft is no issue and Goodwood’s undulations ought to suit a hardy dual-purpose stayer.

The key question is whether he fully translates his hurdle progression back onto the Flat at this level, but he looks the runner with the most upside.


—

2. BAHADUR – 6.5/10

Consistent through late 2025 when completing an AW hat-trick, but his two comeback runs this season suggest he may now be fairly treated rather than ahead of the assessor.

First attempt at 2m is interesting and there are reasons to think he’ll stay, though this tactical race may not suit ideally. He can race a little patiently and may struggle if they stack up turning in.

Positives:

Progressive staying profile last season

Yard in good order generally

Still lightly raced for a stayer


Negatives:

Not obviously well treated

Tactical pace concerns

Turf stamina still to prove fully at 2m


More solid than spectacular.


—

3. SAX APPEAL – 5.5/10

Admirably tough handicapper who won seven races during a busy 2025 campaign. Chester run last time can be marked up slightly after meeting trouble in running, and he was notably backed in-running on Betfair before getting blocked.

However:

Intense schedule may now be catching up

Tactical pace setup not ideal

Better in stronger-run staying handicaps


The 3 lb claim helps and his proven stamina is respected, but in a steadily-run five-runner contest he may simply lack the tactical gear change against younger or more progressive rivals.

Reliable but vulnerable.


—

4. CAPRELO – 7/10

Interesting seasonal returner for Hughie Morrison, whose stayers often improve with maturity. His Kempton second in December reads well after the winner followed up next time, and his Cesarewitch effort was better than the bare result.

Positives:

Strong staying credentials

Potentially well handicapped

Conditions should suit


Negatives:

170-day absence

May improve for the run

Hold-up tendencies a concern in weak pace scenario


This race may not set up perfectly for him tactically, but if they unexpectedly increase the tempo he becomes more dangerous late on. Market support would be significant after the break.


—

5. ST MAWES (IRE) – 8/10 (P)

Low-mileage 4yo who remains one of the more interesting stayers in the field. His reappearance third over C&D was excellent form in context, especially considering he pulled hard yet still finished strongly.

The concern is tactical:

Strong traveller

Can race keenly

Risks being ridden colder than ideal in a slowly-run race


That said, he remains highly promising at staying trips and Emma Lavelle’s record with isolated Flat runners is notably profitable. If Sean Levey keeps him closer to the pace early, he could easily improve again.

Goodwood clearly suits and he may still have significant progression left as a staying handicapper.


—

Race suitability summary

Strongest contenders

GIVE IT TO ME OJ

ST MAWES


Main danger

CAPRELO


Interesting outsider

SAX APPEAL (if pace unexpectedly increases)


Hold-up risks needing luck

CAPRELO

ST MAWES (to a lesser extent)


Progressive / promising types

GIVE IT TO ME OJ (p)

ST MAWES (P)



—

Private tissue

GIVE IT TO ME OJ – 11/8

ST MAWES – 9/4

CAPRELO – 5/1

BAHADUR – 13/2

SAX APPEAL – 10/1



—

Key trends and race angles

Previous winners often relatively unexposed stayers rather than exposed handicappers.

Younger improving stayers have dominated several recent renewals.

Tactical speed matters greatly in small-field Goodwood staying races.

Goodwood course experience is a positive: ST MAWES already has strong C&D form.

Morrison and Lavelle both place staying types effectively in these races.



—

Smart Play

Win selection

GIVE IT TO ME OJ
The race setup looks ideal for him tactically and he may still be improving as a staying Flat horse. His dual-purpose profile suggests there could be more to come now tackling 2m on the level.

Saver / alternative play

ST MAWES (IRE)
The most promising long-term profile in the race and already proven at the track. Main concern is whether the tactical pace setup leaves him with too much to do.

No each-way angle with only five runners.